Sometimes, answers lie beneath the surface.
Our pets can’t tell us where it hurts – which is why, beyond a physical exam, we often need to rely on what’s happening inside their body. While a physical exam gives us valuable clues, it often takes a more thorough investigation through blood tests, tissue samples, or other diagnostics – to truly understand what’s going on with your pet’s health.
At MustCare, we offer in-house pathology services so we can access results quickly and make informed decisions without unnecessary delays. This means faster diagnoses, more timely treatment, and less waiting and worrying for you. Whether we’re monitoring a chronic condition or investigating a sudden change, having on-site diagnostic tools helps us act when it matters most – giving your pet the best chance for a swift recovery.
What In-House Testing Means for Your Pet’s Care
Less waiting, less worrying
When your pet is unwell, waiting days for results can be incredibly stressful. In-house testing gives you faster answers, so you’re not left in the dark.Faster action when it matters most
For sudden illness or serious concerns, same-day results mean your vet can start treatment straight away – potentially preventing a condition from worsening.Fewer vet visits, less disruption
Getting results the same day reduces the need for follow-up appointments, saving you time and sparing your pet the stress of extra travel.Peace of mind from trusted hands
Your pet’s samples are handled by the team you already know and trust, not sent off to an anonymous lab – so you feel more confident in the care they’re receiving.Better monitoring of long-term conditions
For pets with ongoing health needs, quick in-house testing makes it easier to track changes and adjust treatment plans early; without delay or added cost.
FAQs
In-house pathology gives our vets a closer look at what’s happening inside your pet’s body, especially when symptoms aren’t obvious from the outside. It can help us detect infections, organ dysfunction, inflammation, anaemia, and other underlying issues by testing things like blood, urine, and tissue samples.
Having this information quickly means we can diagnose problems earlier, monitor ongoing conditions more effectively, and start the right treatment without delay. It’s a key part of providing accurate, timely care – especially when your pet can’t tell us how they’re feeling.
Most in-house tests, like blood samples, involve only a moment of discomfort – similar to a quick pinch. Our vets are skilled at making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, and we always work gently to keep your pet calm and comfortable.
A small patch of fur may be shaved to allow for a clean and quick sample.
A local anaesthetic may be used if a procedure involves tissue sampling or anything more sensitive.
A treat and some calm time are usually all that’s needed afterwards, and in many cases, your pet can relax with you while we process the results.
While no procedure is entirely sensation-free, our goal is always to minimise stress and discomfort while getting the answers your pet needs.
Pathology helps us understand what’s happening inside your pet’s body — often before there are clear signs on the outside. Your veterinarian might recommend testing for many reasons, including:
Diagnosing illness: Blood tests can reveal infections, organ dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, or signs of inflammation.
Monitoring chronic conditions : Pets with diabetes, kidney disease, liver issues, or thyroid problems need regular lab work to track their health and medication response.
Pre-anaesthetic screening: Before surgery or dental work, we run tests to make sure your pet’s organs can safely process anaesthesia.
Wellness screening: Especially in senior pets, routine bloodwork can detect early changes before symptoms appear – giving us a head start on treatment.
Lab work takes the guesswork out of diagnosis and gives your vet objective data to make more informed decisions.
At MustCare, we have advanced in-house testing equipment that allows us to perform a range of diagnostic tests, including:
Haematology: Analyses your pet’s red and white blood cell counts, helping us identify anaemia, infections, or immune conditions.
Biochemistry: Checks organ function (like kidneys, liver, pancreas) and electrolyte balance, which is critical in vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, or long-term medication use.
Urinalysis: Evaluates kidney function, checks for urinary tract infections, and gives insight into hydration and glucose levels.
Cytology: Examines skin swabs, ear samples, lumps, or discharge under a microscope to identify infections, inflammation, or abnormal cells.
Parasite detection: Faecal tests and skin scrapes help us find intestinal worms, mites, or other external/internal parasites.
In-house testing is ideal for common and urgent cases. For more specialised analysis (e.g. histopathology or hormone panels), we partner with external veterinary labs.
In-house machines are calibrated for veterinary use and deliver highly accurate results for most routine tests. Our equipment is maintained and quality-checked regularly to ensure reliability.
That said, some advanced or complex tests – like hormone assays, biopsies, or cultures that require incubation – are still best performed at external labs, where specialist pathologists can interpret more nuanced findings.
Your veterinarian will always choose the testing method that provides the most reliable, relevant information for your pet’s condition. Often, we use a combination of in-house and external testing to get a complete picture.
It depends on the type of test your vet is recommending. Here are a few general guidelines:
For blood tests: We may ask that your pet fasts (no food, but water is fine) for 8–12 hours prior, especially for biochemistry tests. This helps avoid fat in the blood (lipemia), which can interfere with readings.
For urine samples: If we need a fresh sample, we may ask you to bring one from home or collect it during the appointment.
For anxious pets: Let us know in advance. We may recommend a calming medication before the appointment or adjust our handling techniques to minimise stress.
For more complex sampling: If we need a fine needle aspirate or biopsy, your veterinarian will talk you through what’s involved, including whether sedation is necessary.
If you’re ever unsure, our team is happy to guide you through exactly what to do before your visit.
Once we have your pet’s results – often within the same day – your vet will review them and discuss the findings with you. Depending on the outcome, this might mean:
Starting treatment immediately (e.g. antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, dietary changes)
Recommending further diagnostics (e.g. imaging, repeat testing, or specialist referral)
Setting up a monitoring plan for ongoing conditions
Reassuring you that everything looks normal and giving you peace of mind
We take time to explain what the results mean in plain language and ensure you feel confident about the next steps in your pet’s care.
Does your furry friend seem sick or in pain? This could be a sign that something is wrong.
There’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your pet’s health.
If something doesn’t feel right, we’re here to listen. Get in touch to book an appointment – we’ll take the time to understand what’s going on and help get your pet back to feeling their best.
